Student Housing in Finland: Your Complete Guide
Finding accommodation is one of the most stressful parts of moving to Finland. The good news: most university cities have dedicated student housing foundations that offer affordable, centrally located apartments specifically for students.
HOAS, TYS, TOAS — What Are These?
Most Finnish university cities have a student housing foundation. HOAS serves Helsinki region students, TYS serves Turku, and TOAS serves Tampere. These offer the most affordable options — typically €300–€500/month for a furnished single room.
Applying for Student Housing
Apply as early as possible — ideally as soon as you receive your admission letter. Student housing foundations have long waitlists, especially for the autumn semester. Most applications are submitted online via the foundation's portal.
Private Market Options
If student housing is unavailable, the private rental market is the alternative. Sites like Vuokraovi.com and Oikotie.fi list apartments. Expect to pay €600–€900/month for a studio in Helsinki, less in smaller cities. Be prepared to provide income proof or a deposit equivalent to 1–3 months' rent.
Shared Apartments (Kimppakämpät)
Sharing an apartment is popular among students and significantly reduces costs. Finnish university Facebook groups are the best place to find flatmates. Rental contracts can be either a single contract (one person responsible) or individual contracts with the landlord.
What's Usually Included
Student housing rents typically include water and sometimes heating. Electricity may be separate (€30–50/month). Internet is rarely included — a fixed broadband contract costs about €20–30/month, or you can use a mobile data SIM.
